Russia's New 'Swarm' Weapon: Su-57 to Command Attack Drones

MOSCOW – Russia has upped the ante in aerial combat with the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) securing a patent for an innovative air-launched attack drone designed specifically for the nation's advanced Su-57 fighter jet. This groundbreaking development could revolutionize aerial warfare tactics.

While specifics of the drone are shrouded in secrecy, leaked patent documents provide insights into its potential capabilities. The drone is envisioned as a force multiplier for the Su-57, enhancing its operational range and lethality. Notably, some experts speculate that the drone could be deployed in a "kamikaze" role, undertaking highly dangerous missions.

A distinguishing feature of this drone is its advanced autonomy. The patent outlines two distinct operational modes:

• Automatic Target Recognition and Engagement: In this mode, the drone possesses the capability to autonomously identify and attack targets according to pre-defined criteria.
• Information Transmission Mode: The drone serves as an intelligent scout, transmitting tactical data back to the Su-57 pilot for decision-making.

Moreover, a modular warhead system enables the drone to be outfitted with a variety of payloads – either high-explosive or hybrid warheads that combine high-explosive and cumulative charges – tailored to specific mission requirements.

Although the patent emphasizes integration with the Su-57, there's a growing possibility that the UAC may adapt this technology for other Russian combat aircraft. Such a move could substantially transform the country's airpower capabilities.

 

[sanket]

India may Consider in Future atleast 3 to 4 Sqad of Su-57 ,Once Russia start Inducting.

 

[Ranjeet Singh]

Russia should sort out 40+ upgrades required by IAF so that India should buy 120+ FGFA !

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

India may Consider in Future atleast 3 to 4 Sqad of Su-57 ,Once Russia start Inducting.

Russia has already inducted multiple Su57, and India has said that that it is notninterested

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Russia has a habit of overhyping and misclassifying its equipment.
It called kinzhal a hypersonic missile when it is just an air launched ballistic missile.

And, this loyal wingman drone could very well be an air launched subsonic cruise missile. After all it has a turbofan and wings just like a drone.

 

[Ramsses CDXX]

• A good decoy for itself❗ Given the rate at which VKS shoots down its own jets, it requires wingman to protect the what is left.
• They can make wingman UAV & 5th gen but not fit it with IFF or revise SOP❗

😁

 

[Kira]

It's just on paper,and not an actual product,besides the Su-57 itself will remain underdeveloped in future due to paucity of resources available for its development.

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

Russia has a habit of overhyping and misclassifying its equipment.
It called kinzhal a hypersonic missile when it is just an air launched ballistic missile.

And, this loyal wingman drone could very well be an air launched subsonic cruise missile. After all it has a turbofan and wings just like a drone.

It could actually be an adapted variant of the Shahed 238, turboet powered loitering munition, which essentially is a cruise missile for all practical purposes and falls in a class similar to the Israeli Delilah missile.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

It could actually be an adapted variant of the Shahed 238, turboet powered loitering munition, which essentially is a cruise missile for all practical purposes and falls in a class similar to the Israeli Delilah missile.

Maybe, but it does not really sound like a big deal. It can hardly be called a loyal wingman.

It would be game changer if it was a reusable platform. Something which could be launched from a tupolev bomber, fire its missiles at enemy, come back and reattach to tupolev. That would make tupolev an airborne aircraft carrier. That would be sick.

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

Maybe, but it does not really sound like a big deal. It can hardly be called a loyal wingman.

It would be game changer if it was a reusable platform. Something which could be launched from a tupolev bomber, fire its missiles at enemy, come back and reattach to tupolev. That would make tupolev an airborne aircraft carrier. That would be sick.

Their wing man is already being field tested on select few SU-57 in Ukraine which are now flying with Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B, low observable drone. A few days back there was a small video on the S-70 being used to bomb Ukrainian positions. The S-70 is being paired with the SU-57 and by the looks of it is quite an effective package.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Their wing man is already being field tested on select few SU-57 in Ukraine which are now flying with Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B, low observable drone. A few days back there was a small video on the S-70 being used to bomb Ukrainian positions. The S-70 is being paired with the SU-57 and by the looks of it is quite an effective package.

I dont think either the Su57 or S-70 is being used in ukraine. Loss of either of them will be a BIG L for russia.

Anyways, this article is not referring to S70. It is talking about Air launched drone.

I think our ghatak is inspired by this S70. We generally take inspiration from russians.

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

I dont think either the Su57 or S-70 is being used in ukraine. Loss of either of them will be a BIG L for russia.

Anyways, this article is not referring to S70. It is talking about Air launched drone.

I think our ghatak is inspired by this S70. We generally take inspiration from russians.

They did use it there was even a small video. Its being tested in live battlefield and only 2-4 aircraft are presently being outfitted to team up with S-70. Its not about loss but rather getting accurate battlefield test data to further optimize design. The one used would not be final version and the final version would again include several modifications derived from battlefield performance data.

Afterall nothing tests a weapon performance as thoroughly as a live battlefield and the value of battlefield validation data is priceless.

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

I dont think either the Su57 or S-70 is being used in ukraine. Loss of either of them will be a BIG L for russia.

Anyways, this article is not referring to S70. It is talking about Air launched drone.

I think our ghatak is inspired by this S70. We generally take inspiration from russians.

Dude S70 is a full 26 ton UCAV, Ghatak project at present is just limited to a scaled down technology demonstrator called SWIFT. Its a whole different class of UCAV.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Dude S70 is a full 26 ton UCAV, Ghatak project at present is just limited to a scaled down technology demonstrator called SWIFT. Its a whole different class of UCAV.

Swift is a prototype of ghatak project. Ghatak is also a flyimg wing design stealth UCAV. Similar to S70. America also has a flying wing design stealth UCAV in the works. Same goes for china.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

They did use it there was even a small video. Its being tested in live battlefield and only 2-4 aircraft are presently being outfitted to team up with S-70. Its not about loss but rather getting accurate battlefield test data to further optimize design. The one used would not be final version and the final version would again include several modifications derived from battlefield performance data.

Afterall nothing tests a weapon performance as thoroughly as a live battlefield and the value of battlefield validation data is priceless.

What you are saying is true. Battlefield is the best testing ground. But I believe that battlefield testing a much better substitute for user trials.

User trials happens after prototyping and development trials are over. If you believe that S70 has reached that stage, then it being used in a controlled manner in ukraine does make sense.

 

[Pink Panther]

India may Consider in Future atleast 3 to 4 Sqad of Su-57 ,Once Russia start Inducting.

Possible.

 

[Pink Panther]

Russia has already inducted multiple Su57, and India has said that that it is notninterested

It never said that it is not interested, may be Rafale watch loving personal in the Air Force would have said that, it is not a official statement from MOD.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

It never said that it is not interested, may be Rafale watch loving personal in the Air Force would have said that, it is not a official statement from MOD.

India left the FGFA, which was based on and improvement over Su57.

In October 2019, the Indian Air Force Chief of Air Staff RKS Bhadauria stated that the country will not be importing stealth fighters like the Su-57, and will instead focus on indigenous efforts such as the HAL AMCA.

 

[Pink Panther]

India left the FGFA, which was based on and improvement over Su57.

In October 2019, the Indian Air Force Chief of Air Staff RKS Bhadauria stated that the country will not be importing stealth fighters like the Su-57, and will instead focus on indigenous efforts such as the HAL AMCA.

It is obvious, Bhadauria is prime watch loving person, when India left FGFA it also said that they would revisit SU-57 later after they are inducted in Russian Air Force.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

It is obvious, Bhadauria is prime watch loving person, when India left FGFA it also said that they would revisit SU-57 later after they are inducted in Russian Air Force.

That is just lip service. In past 3-4 no one in air force has said anything about considering Su57. There were some murmurs about F35, when it came to India for aero India but that is it. IAF is firmly backing AMCA.